Advance: Living Unstuck & Moving Forward in FaithSample

Day 9: From Complaining to Gratitude:
The Bible is very clear that we are to choose gratitude in all circumstances. Break free from complaining and move forward with gratitude. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV) says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” All throughout the Bible, God directs us to give thanks. There are 116 references to thanksgiving and we are directly told to give thanks 73 times! This verse lets us know that it is God’s will for us to give thanks. That doesn’t mean that we thank God for the problems we have, but we can still find something to be grateful for in every situation or challenge. Right now, in our world, everything seems to be constantly shifting and it’s easy to complain, but we can always find things to be grateful for.

When you connect with God, you naturally and humbly cherish life for what it is—a temporary gift. Gratitude is a choice we make. Joyce Meyer says it best: “Complain and remain or praise and be raised.”

Gratitude attracts the favor and blessing of God! It is an acknowledgment that everything you have comes from God. Gratitude allows you to shine brighter in this dark world. We are told, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life” (Philippians 2:14-16, NIV).

Right now, think of things you are grateful for. Write down a list of ten things you can be grateful for—even talk about it with your kids and spouse. It could save your marriage. It can bring joy and lighten the mood. Let’s break free from complaining and move forward with gratitude!